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Gatti M, Prete G, Perpetuini D, Bondi D, Verratti V, Matteucci FQ, Santangelo C, Annarumma S, Crosta AD, Palumbo R, Merla A, Giaconia GC, Tommasi L, Mammarella N. The effects of real vs simulated high altitude on associative memory for emotional stimuli. Physiol Behav 2024:114663. [PMID: 39128618 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2024.114663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2024] [Revised: 08/01/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study aimed to investigate the effects of normobaric hypoxia (NH) and hypobaric hypoxia (HH) on associative memory performance for emotionally valenced stimuli. METHODS Two experiments were conducted. In Study 1, n=18 undergraduates performed an associative memory task under three NH conditions (FiO2= 20.9%, 15.1%, 13.6%) using a tent with a hypoxic generator. In Study 2, n=20 participants were assessed in a field study at various altitudes on the Himalayan mountains, including the Pyramid Laboratory (5,000 meters above sea level), using functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) and behavioral assessments. RESULTS Study 1 revealed no significant differences in recognition accuracy across NH conditions. However, Study 2 showed a complex relationship between altitude and memory for emotionally valenced stimuli. At lower altitudes, participants more accurately recognized emotional stimuli compared to neutral ones, a trend that reversed at higher altitudes. Brain oxygenation varied with altitude, indicating adaptive cognitive processing, as revealed by fNIRS measurements. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that hypoxia affects associative memory and emotional processing in an altitude-dependent manner, highlighting adaptive cognitive mechanisms. Understanding the effects of hypobaric hypoxia on cognition and memory can help develop strategies to mitigate its impact in high-altitude and hypoxic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Gatti
- Department of Psychology, University "G. d'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Giulia Prete
- Department of Psychology, University "G. d'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - David Perpetuini
- Department of Engineering and Geology, University "G. d'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, Pescara, Italy
| | - Danilo Bondi
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Vittore Verratti
- Department of Psychology, University "G. d'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.
| | | | - Carmen Santangelo
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Salvatore Annarumma
- Department of Psychology, University "G. d'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy; Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino, Urbino, Italy
| | - Adolfo Di Crosta
- Department of Psychology, University "G. d'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Rocco Palumbo
- Department of Psychology, University "G. d'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Arcangelo Merla
- Department of Engineering and Geology, University "G. d'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, Pescara, Italy
| | | | - Luca Tommasi
- Department of Psychology, University "G. d'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Nicola Mammarella
- Department of Psychology, University "G. d'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
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Allinger J, Bouyeure A, Noulhiane M, Lemaitre F. Monitoring the Breath-Hold Training Load during an Ecological Session: A Pilot Study. Int J Sports Med 2024. [PMID: 39008986 DOI: 10.1055/a-2323-9675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
This study aimed to create a training load index to measure physiological stress during breath-hold (BH) training and examine its relationship with memory performance. Eighteen well-trained BH divers (Age: 35.8±6.6 years, BH training practice: 5.3±4.5 years) participated in this study. During a standard 1.5-hour BH training in the pool, perceived exertion, heart rate, distance, and duration were measured. The training load index was modelled on the basis of a TRIMP (TRaining IMPulse) with four different equations and was used to measure the stress induced by this BH training. A reference value, based on the ratio between the average heart rate during all BHs and the lowest heart rate during BH training, was used for comparing training load index. Memory assessment was conducted both before and after this training. Of the four equations proposed, equation no. 4, named aTRIMP for "apnoea," showed the strongest correlation with our reference value (r=0.652, p<0.01). No difference was found between any of the memory tests before and after the BH training. The aTRIMP was a new representative index for monitoring habitual training of well-trained BH divers. Furthermore, this training had no negative impact on memory performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jérémie Allinger
- CETAPS, Université de Rouen UFR STAPS, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
| | | | | | - Frederic Lemaitre
- CETAPS, Université de Rouen UFR STAPS, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
- CRIOBE UAR 3278, CNRS-EPHE-UPVD, Mooréa, Polynésie Française
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De Wachter J, Roose M, Proost M, Habay J, Verstraelen M, De Bock S, De Pauw K, Meeusen R, Van Cutsem J, Roelands B. Prefrontal cortex oxygenation during a mentally fatiguing task in normoxia and hypoxia. Exp Brain Res 2024; 242:1807-1819. [PMID: 38839618 PMCID: PMC11208267 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-024-06867-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Mental fatigue (MF) and hypoxia impair cognitive performance through changes in brain hemodynamics. We want to elucidate the role of prefrontal cortex (PFC)-oxygenation in MF. Twelve participants (22.9 ± 3.5 years) completed four experimental trials, (1) MF in (normobaric) hypoxia (MF_HYP) (3.800 m; 13.5%O2), (2) MF in normoxia (MF_NOR) (98 m; 21.0%O2), (3) Control task in HYP (CON_HYP), (4) Control in NOR (CON_NOR). Participants performed a 2-back task, Digit Symbol Substitution test and Psychomotor Vigilance task before and after a 60-min Stroop task or an emotionally neutral documentary. Brain oxygenation was measured through functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy. Subjective feelings of MF and physiological measures (heart rate, oxygen saturation, blood glucose and hemoglobin) were recorded. The Stroop task resulted in increased subjective feelings of MF compared to watching the documentary. 2-back accuracy was lower post task compared to pre task in MF_NOR and CON_NOR, while no differences were found in the other cognitive tasks. The fraction of inspired oxygen did not impact feelings of MF. Although performing the Stroop resulted in higher subjective feelings of MF, hypoxia had no effect on the severity of self-reported MF. Additionally, this study could not provide evidence for a role of oxygenation of the PFC in the build-up of MF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas De Wachter
- Human Physiology and Sports Physiotherapy Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Manon Roose
- Human Physiology and Sports Physiotherapy Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Radiology, UZ Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Matthias Proost
- Human Physiology and Sports Physiotherapy Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jelle Habay
- Human Physiology and Sports Physiotherapy Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Research Foundation Flanders (FWO), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Matthias Verstraelen
- Human Physiology and Sports Physiotherapy Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sander De Bock
- Human Physiology and Sports Physiotherapy Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- BruBotics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kevin De Pauw
- Human Physiology and Sports Physiotherapy Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- BruBotics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Romain Meeusen
- Human Physiology and Sports Physiotherapy Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- BruBotics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jeroen Van Cutsem
- Human Physiology and Sports Physiotherapy Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- VIPER Research Unit, Royal Military Academy, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Bart Roelands
- Human Physiology and Sports Physiotherapy Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.
- BruBotics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.
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Falla M, Hüfner K, Falk M, Weiss EM, Vögele A, Jan van Veelen M, Weber B, Brandner J, Palma M, Dejaco A, Brugger H, Strapazzon G. Simulated Acute Hypobaric Hypoxia Effects on Cognition in Helicopter Emergency Medical Service Personnel - A Randomized, Controlled, Single-Blind, Crossover Trial. HUMAN FACTORS 2024; 66:404-423. [PMID: 35640630 DOI: 10.1177/00187208221086407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate, under replicable, blinded and standardised conditions, the effect of acute exposure to hypobaric hypoxia (HH) (equivalent to 200 or 3000 or 5000 m above sea level (asl)) on selected cognitive domains and physiological parameters in personnel of helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS). METHODS We conducted a randomized clinical trial using a single-blind crossover design in an environmental chamber (terraXcube) to induce HH in 48 HEMS personnel. Participants performed cognitive tests (CT) before the ascent, after 5 min at altitude, and after simulated cardiopulmonary resuscitation (SCR). CT evaluated: sustained attention using the psychomotor vigilance test (PVT) that included measurement of reaction time (RT); risky decision making using the balloon analogue risk task (BART), and attention and speed of processing using the digit symbol substitution test (DSST). CT performance was subjectively rated with a visual analogue scale (VAS). Physiological data were recorded with a physiological monitoring system. Data were analysed using a linear mixed model and correlation analysis. RESULTS Mean reaction time was significantly slower (p = 0.002) at HH (5000 m asl), but there were no independent effects of HH on the other parameters of the PVT, BART or DSST. Participants did not detect subjectively the slower RT at altitude since VAS performance results showed a positive correlation with mean RT (p = 0.009). DSST results significantly improved (p = 0.001) after SCR. CONCLUSION Acute exposure of HEMS personnel to HH induced a slower RT but no changes in any other investigated measures of cognition. The reduced RT was not detected subjectively by the participants. Trial number 3489044136, ClinicalTrials.gov trial registration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marika Falla
- Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, Eurac Research, Bolzano, Italy, Center for Mind/Brain Sciences, CIMeC, University of Trento, Rovereto (TN), Italy
| | - Katharina Hüfner
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University Hospital for Psychiatry II, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Markus Falk
- Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, Eurac Research, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Elisabeth M Weiss
- Department of Psychology, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | | | - Bernhard Weber
- Department of Psychology, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Jonas Brandner
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University Hospital for Psychiatry II, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Martin Palma
- Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, Eurac Research, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Alexander Dejaco
- Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, Eurac Research, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Hermann Brugger
- Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, Eurac Research, Bolzano, Italy, International Commission for Alpine Emergency Medicine (ICAR MEDCOM), Kloten, Switzerland
| | - Giacomo Strapazzon
- Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, Eurac Research, Bolzano, Italy, International Commission for Alpine Emergency Medicine (ICAR MEDCOM), Kloten, Switzerland
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Fan H, Meng Y, Zhu L, Fan M, Wang D, Zhao Y. A review of methods for assessment of cognitive function in high-altitude hypoxic environments. Brain Behav 2024; 14:e3418. [PMID: 38409925 PMCID: PMC10897364 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.3418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Hypoxic environments like those present at high altitudes may negatively affect brain function. Varying levels of hypoxia, whether acute or chronic, are previously shown to impair cognitive function in humans. Assessment and prevention of such cognitive impairment require detection of cognitive changes and impairment using specific cognitive function assessment tools. This paper summarizes the findings of previous research, outlines the methods for cognitive function assessment used at a high altitude, elaborates the need to develop standardized and systematic cognitive function assessment tools for high-altitude hypoxia environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haojie Fan
- Department of PsychologyZhejiang Sci‐Tech UniversityHangzhouChina
- Department of Cognitive and StressBeijing Institute of Basic Medical SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Ying Meng
- Department of PsychologyZhejiang Sci‐Tech UniversityHangzhouChina
- Department of Cognitive and StressBeijing Institute of Basic Medical SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Lingling Zhu
- Department of Cognitive and StressBeijing Institute of Basic Medical SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Ming Fan
- Department of Cognitive and StressBeijing Institute of Basic Medical SciencesBeijingChina
- School of Information Sciences & EngineeringLanzhou UniversityLanzhouChina
| | - Du‐Ming Wang
- Department of PsychologyZhejiang Sci‐Tech UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Yong‐Qi Zhao
- Department of PsychologyZhejiang Sci‐Tech UniversityHangzhouChina
- Department of Cognitive and StressBeijing Institute of Basic Medical SciencesBeijingChina
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Post TE, Heijn LG, Jordan J, van Gerven JMA. Sensitivity of cognitive function tests to acute hypoxia in healthy subjects: a systematic literature review. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1244279. [PMID: 37885803 PMCID: PMC10598721 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1244279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute exposure to hypoxia can lead to cognitive impairment. Therefore, hypoxia may become a safety concern for occupational or recreational settings at altitude. Cognitive tests are used as a tool to assess the degree to which hypoxia affects cognitive performance. However, so many different cognitive tests are used that comparing studies is challenging. This structured literature evaluation provides an overview of the different cognitive tests used to assess the effects of acute hypoxia on cognitive performance in healthy volunteers. Less frequently used similar cognitive tests were clustered and classified into domains. Subsequently, the different cognitive test clusters were compared for sensitivity to different levels of oxygen saturation. A total of 38 articles complied with the selection criteria, covering 86 different cognitive tests. The tests and clusters showed that the most consistent effects of acute hypoxia were found with the Stroop test (where 42% of studies demonstrated significant abnormalities). The most sensitive clusters were auditory/verbal memory: delayed recognition (83%); evoked potentials (60%); visual/spatial delayed recognition (50%); and sustained attention (47%). Attention tasks were not particularly sensitive to acute hypoxia (impairments in 0%-47% of studies). A significant hypoxia level-response relationship was found for the Stroop test (p = 0.001), as well as three clusters in the executive domain: inhibition (p = 0.034), reasoning/association (p = 0.019), and working memory (p = 0.024). This relationship shows a higher test sensitivity at more severe levels of hypoxia, predominantly below 80% saturation. No significant influence of barometric pressure could be identified in the limited number of studies where this was varied. This review suggests that complex and executive functions are particularly sensitive to hypoxia. Moreover, this literature evaluation provides the first step towards standardization of cognitive testing, which is crucial for a better understanding of the effects of acute hypoxia on cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Titiaan E. Post
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Cologne, Germany
- Centre for Human Drug Research (CHDR), Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Laurens G. Heijn
- Centre for Human Drug Research (CHDR), Leiden, Netherlands
- Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Jens Jordan
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Cologne, Germany
- Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Joop M. A. van Gerven
- Centre for Human Drug Research (CHDR), Leiden, Netherlands
- Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- Central Committee on Research Involving Human Subjects (CCMO), The Hague, Netherlands
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Chen X, Zhang J, Lin Y, Li Y, Wang H, Wang Z, Liu H, Hu Y, Liu L. Mechanism, prevention and treatment of cognitive impairment caused by high altitude exposure. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1191058. [PMID: 37731540 PMCID: PMC10507266 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1191058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypobaric hypoxia (HH) characteristics induce impaired cognitive function, reduced concentration, and memory. In recent years, an increasing number of people have migrated to high-altitude areas for work and study. Headache, sleep disturbance, and cognitive impairment from HH, severely challenges the physical and mental health and affects their quality of life and work efficiency. This review summarizes the manifestations, mechanisms, and preventive and therapeutic methods of HH environment affecting cognitive function and provides theoretical references for exploring and treating high altitude-induced cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jiexin Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Faculty of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Life Sciences, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yuan Lin
- Sichuan Xincheng Biological Co., LTD., Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of General Surgery, The 77th Army Hospital, Leshan, Sichuan, China
| | - Han Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhanhao Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Huawei Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yonghe Hu
- Faculty of Medicine, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Lei Liu
- Medical Research Center, The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Cognition and Neuropsychological Changes at Altitude-A Systematic Review of Literature. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12121736. [PMID: 36552195 PMCID: PMC9775937 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12121736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
High-altitude (HA) exposure affects cognitive functions, but studies have found inconsistent results. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the effects of HA exposure on cognitive functions in healthy subjects. A structural overview of the applied neuropsychological tests was provided with a classification of superordinate cognitive domains. A literature search was performed using PubMed up to October 2021 according to PRISMA guidelines. Eligibility criteria included a healthy human cohort exposed to altitude in the field (at minimum 2440 m [8000 ft]) or in a hypoxic environment in a laboratory, and an assessment of cognitive domains. The literature search identified 52 studies (29 of these were field studies; altitude range: 2440 m-8848 m [8000-29,029 ft]). Researchers applied 112 different neuropsychological tests. Attentional capacity, concentration, and executive functions were the most frequently studied. In the laboratory, the ratio of altitude-induced impairments (64.7%) was twice as high compared to results showing no change or improved results (35.3%), but altitudes studied were similar in the chamber compared to field studies. In the field, the opposite results were found (66.4 % no change or improvements, 33.6% impairments). Since better acclimatization can be assumed in the field studies, the findings support the hypothesis that sufficient acclimatization has beneficial effects on cognitive functions at HA. However, it also becomes apparent that research in this area would benefit most if a consensus could be reached on a standardized framework of freely available neurocognitive tests.
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Falla M, Papagno C, Dal Cappello T, Vögele A, Hüfner K, Kim J, Weiss EM, Weber B, Palma M, Mrakic-Sposta S, Brugger H, Strapazzon G. A Prospective Evaluation of the Acute Effects of High Altitude on Cognitive and Physiological Functions in Lowlanders. Front Physiol 2021; 12:670278. [PMID: 33995130 PMCID: PMC8113692 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.670278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cognitive function impairment due to high altitude exposure has been reported with some contradictory results regarding the possible selective cognitive domain involvement. We prospectively evaluated in 36 lowlanders, exposed for 3 consecutive days to an altitude of 3,269 m, specific cognitive abilities (attention, processing speed, and decision-making) required to safely explore the mountains, as well as to work at altitude. We simultaneously monitored the physiological parameters. Our study provides evidence of a reduced processing speed in lowlanders when exposed to altitude in the first 24 h. There was a fairly quick recovery since this impairment was no more detectable after 36 h of exposure. There were no clinically relevant effects on decision-making, while psychomotor vigilance was unaffected at altitude except for individuals with poor sleep. Significant changes were seen in physiological parameters (increased heart rate and reduced peripheral oxygen saturation). Our results may have practical implications, suggesting that individuals should practice prudence with higher ascent when performing risky activities in the first 24–36 h, even at altitudes below 3,500 m, due to an impairment of the cognitive performance that could worsen and lead to accidents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marika Falla
- Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, Eurac Research, Bolzano, Italy.,Center for Mind/Brain Sciences CIMeC, University of Trento, Rovereto, Italy
| | - Costanza Papagno
- Center for Mind/Brain Sciences CIMeC, University of Trento, Rovereto, Italy.,Department of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Tomas Dal Cappello
- Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, Eurac Research, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Anna Vögele
- Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, Eurac Research, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Katharina Hüfner
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Division of Psychiatry II, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Jenny Kim
- Institute for Exercise and Environmental Medicine, Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Elisabeth M Weiss
- Department of Psychology, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Bernhard Weber
- Department of Psychology, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Martin Palma
- Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, Eurac Research, Bolzano, Italy
| | | | - Hermann Brugger
- Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, Eurac Research, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Giacomo Strapazzon
- Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, Eurac Research, Bolzano, Italy
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10
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Effect of Acute Normobaric Hypoxia Exposure on Executive Functions among Young Physically Active Males. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10081560. [PMID: 33917691 PMCID: PMC8068023 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10081560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: On the one hand, hypoxic exposure may result in progressive brain metabolism disturbance, causing subsequent cognitive impairments. On the other hand, it might also enhance neurogenesis and brain vascularization as well as accelerate cerebral blood flow, leading to cognitive function improvement. The aim of this study was to investigate whether progressive stages of normobaric hypoxia (NH) (FIO2 = 13%, FIO2 = 12%, and FIO2 = 11%) differentially affect post-exposure cognitive performance. Methods: Fifteen physically active men (age = 23.1 ± 2.1) participated in the study. The Stroop test (ST) was applied to assess cognitive function. To generate NH conditions, a hypoxic normobaric air generator was used. Results: We observed an executive function impairment (“naming” interference p < 0.05) after NH exposure (FIO2 = 13%). After exposure at FIO2 = 12% and FIO2 = 11%, no changes were observed in the Stroop test. Also, changes in SpO2 during subsequent NH exposure were observed. Conclusions: The current investigation shows that executive functions deteriorate after acute NH exposure and this post-exposure deterioration is not proportional to the normobaric hypoxia stages among young physically active males.
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11
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Jung M, Brizes I, Wages S, Ponce P, Kang M, Loprinzi PD. Combined effects of acute exercise and hypoxia on memory. Physiol Int 2020; 107:337-348. [PMID: 32644939 DOI: 10.1556/2060.2020.00017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
No previous studies have evaluated the potential combined effects of acute exercise and acute hypoxia exposure on memory function, which was the purpose of this study. Twenty-five participants (Mage = 21.2 years) completed two laboratory visits in a counterbalanced order, involving 1) acute exercise (a 20-min bout of moderate-intensity exercise) and then 30 min of exposure to hypoxia (FIO2 = 0.12), and 2) exposure to hypoxia alone (FIO2 = 0.12) for 30 min. Following this, participants completed a cued-recall and memory interference task (AB/AC paradigm), assessing cued-recall memory (recall 1 and recall 2) and memory interference (proactive and retroactive interference). For cued-recall memory, we observed a significant main effect for condition, with Exercise + Hypoxia condition having significantly greater cued-recall performance than Hypoxia alone. Memory interference did not differ as a function of the experimental condition. This experiment demonstrates that engaging in an acute bout of exercise prior to acute hypoxia exposure had an additive effect in enhancing cued-recall memory performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Jung
- 1Exercise & Memory Laboratory, Department of Health, Exercise Science and Recreation Management, The University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, USA.,2Health and Sport Analytics Laboratory, Department of Health, Exercise Science and Recreation Management, The University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, USA
| | - I Brizes
- 1Exercise & Memory Laboratory, Department of Health, Exercise Science and Recreation Management, The University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, USA
| | - S Wages
- 1Exercise & Memory Laboratory, Department of Health, Exercise Science and Recreation Management, The University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, USA
| | - P Ponce
- 1Exercise & Memory Laboratory, Department of Health, Exercise Science and Recreation Management, The University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, USA
| | - M Kang
- 2Health and Sport Analytics Laboratory, Department of Health, Exercise Science and Recreation Management, The University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, USA
| | - P D Loprinzi
- 1Exercise & Memory Laboratory, Department of Health, Exercise Science and Recreation Management, The University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, USA
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